Stylist Spotlight: Kinky Curly Beauty

How many women have I featured so far that I’ve become acquainted with via Instagram now? Too many to count. This natural hair care pro representing Birmingham Alabama with the funky red mane has garnered the attention of over 20K followers thanks to her beautiful and original flat-twist styles! Ladies can’t wait to head to her studio for their very own #KCBUpdo.

I had to reach out to her and share her talent with you all. Read on…

My name is Leslie but I’m known throughout Social Media and around home as Kinky Curly Beauty. I’ve been a licensed stylist for the past 22 years.

How long have you had an interest in hair care?

I’ve had a love for hair from an early age…learning to cornrow on my baby dolls at the age of 8 years old. I began braiding my little sister and cousins hair at the age of 12, and when I was 19 years old I enrolled into Cosmetology school.

Have you always worn your hair in its natural state? If not, when and why did you decide to go back to your natural hair texture? Transition or big chop?

I’ve big chopped a total of three times.  The last time was April 2012.  I decided to transition because of premature greying.  I was at a point where I had to choose between permanent hair color and relaxers…needless to say, permanent colors won. 🙂

What kind of experience can women expect when they come to you? 

I have a love of hair that goes back more than 30+ years.  From the moment you’re greeted at the door, you’re treated as if you were myself being serviced.  I have a genuine concern for the health of your hair as well as a desire to add to your beauty by sculpting your hair into a piece of art.

What are three hair care or styling tips you find yourself frequently giving your clients or those who are simply trying to navigate all this natural hair stuff?

Moisture, moisture, MOISTURE!!! I’ve learned that most naturals aren’t aware of how to retain moisture.  So I’m often giving advice on certain products to use according to the texture of your hair.

How do you feel about the resurgence of women embracing their natural texture in the past few years? Do you believe it’s here to stay?

Like myself, many in the past had issues with learning how to manage our natural hair.  I think that now so many of us are returning to our natural textures because there’s so much information out now on how to take care of our beautiful manes.

What’s one big natural hair myth that you’d like to clear up?

Excessive trimming is a must. This is not true.  While it’s best to watch for split ends and thinning, I think it’s safe to get two (2) trims annually.  That’s if you typically don’t have any thinning issues. Trimming too often prevents length retention in most cases.  Therefore if you don’t have thinning or split-ends issues, you can hold off of trimming so often.

Many find it hard to come up with new styles on their own. How do you manage to come up with the beautiful flat twists styles that you’ve come to be known for? Trial and error or happy accidents?

Both.  It began with my just trying things out on myself.  As a career woman, I didn’t want to only be subjected to the Puff or Twistouts, so I decided to try different styles that I felt would go great with a suit or a sexy dress. Upon wearing the styles out and posting pictures on social media, I began to receive tons of compliments.  So it started basically from my playing in my hair and just trying different things.

Any advice for those still deciding to make the change to natural?

Make sure it’s your decision and don’t allow anyone to change your mind.

Own it! Love what God gave you.

Never compare your texture to others…whatever it is, it’s yours and it’s beautiful!

Constantly checking for growth is equivalent to watching paint dry…a long wait. LOL!

Enjoy your journey!

Take lots of pictures! Pictures are sure to tell you your growth history.

Where can we find you on the web?

I can be found at each location below:

Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest

Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your hair story and your natural hair words of wisdom! Please take a look at more of Kinky Curly Beauty’s work in the gallery below and, if you’re in the Birmingham, AL area, stop on by for YOUR #KCBUpdo! 😉

xoxo

Toia B.